Obituary: Ronald J. Kerkes, 82, of Stratford

From Pistey Funeral Home

Ronald Joseph Kerkes, 82, of Stratford, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 19th. He was born April 26th, 1935 to the late Joseph and Jennie Kerkes of Bridgeport, CT.

Ron attended Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University. He was the Crew Chief for Kasper Associates of Bridgeport for over 35 years. Ron was a “very” competitive cribbage, set-back, and chess player. He was a lifetime Yankees fan and loved watching the UCONN women’s basketball team win.

Ron made a mean whiskey sour on any holiday. He was right about everything. Ron was tough and stubborn, but his heart was soft. He passed his wicked humor, strong character, and loving nature down to his beloved family.

Ron is survived by his loving and patient wife of 59 years, Elizabeth Kerkes, sisters Audrey Velgot of Shelton, Carol Wilson of Nashua, NH, and his children, Karen Schankman and her husband, Ned, of Newtown, Kathy Swanson and her husband, David, of Cheshire, Christine Marshall and her husband, Paul, of Wallingford, Kevin Kerkes and his wife, Monica of Stratford, and Cynthia Formato and her husband, Mike, of Shelton, 10 grandchildren, Alyssa and Adam Schankman, Katie (Nagy) and Michael Swanson, Paul and Kimberly Marshall, Karissa and Ronnie Kerkes, and Max and Leo Formato; as well as many nephews and nieces. Ron was predeceased by his sister, Evelyn DiMare, his brother-in-law, Stanley Velgot, and nephew Stanley Joseph Velgot.

Calling hours will be held at Pistey Funeral Home, 2155 Main Street, Stratford on Friday, December 22, 2017 from 4 to 8 pm. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 10 am DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Peace Church. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations to the American Heart Association or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Pistey Funeral Home here.